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Bataleon Storm 2018-2019 Women’s Snowboard Review

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The Bataleon Storm women’s snowboard may be the most exciting female-specific deck to make its debut in the 2018/19 season. Its subtly directional shape and profile is part of a high-spec design that should be on the radar of any rider looking for an all-mountain option that leans towards freeriding.

On the surface the Bataleon Storm looks like a regular directional twin snowboard, but a closer look reveals much. Firstly, it’s subtly tapered, trading off a little bit of switch performance for a boost in powder float and carving.

“Similarly to the Surfer and the Party Wave, the nose has a spoon-like quality”

Bataleon’s signature Triple Base Technology also has a directional element to it on this model. Similarly to the Surfer and the Party Wave, the nose has a spoon-like quality thanks to an increased degree of uplift at the side sections of base. Unlike those pow-specific boards, however, the tail isn’t as flattened off, so switch landings into powder will be that much more manageable.

If there’s no deep stuff around, then there’s still much to enjoy about the Bataleon Storm. Triax fibreglass throughout makes it a stable ride that’s ideal for high-speed blasting, but it’s not so stiff that you can’t flex it out in a piste butter when the time comes. Targeted carbon stringers at the tail are there for increased pop, whilst the ones in the nose run from the front inserts to the contact points for improved response.

“If there’s no deep stuff around, then there’s still much to enjoy about the Bataleon Storm”

The wood used in the core is a straight split between paulownia and poplar, a winning combination that makes the Storm nice and light, as well as anything but weak. It’s got a sintered base too, so as long as you’ve waxed then you’ll be flying.

Those who seek an all-mountain option that includes a lot of park laps may want to consider something like the Bataleon Push Up, but for the more freeride-focused – especially those open to some backcountry freestyle – then the new Bataleon Storm is the answer.

Tester’s Verdict

“We were lucky enough to have a huge dump of snow the night before I rode the Storm, and it definitely did not disappoint.

Absolutely effortless float through the deep stuff, and putting in turns through the powder was a complete joy! No need for adjusting bindings to the tail and leaning on your back leg, the big old nose kept me surfing with no dramas.

“Even in heavier snow, the Storm powered through everything”

Coming back onto piste was delightful, as the board was super fast over the snow and carved with absolute precision. Even in heavier snow, the Storm powered through everything and constantly left me with a massive smile on my face.

This board storms up my to-buy list this season, and if we’re lucky enough to get a heavy snow season, I know that it will have my back no matter how deep things get.”

Tester’s Verdict

“‘Who are you?’ is what I thought of asking this particular Bataleon model. I’d never tried it or seen it before, because it’s brand new to the Bataleon line up. The Storm is a directional freeride board, made for epic conditions and epic riding.

“Thanks to the Triple Base Technology, it never veers into edge-catch yard-sale territory”

The carbon tubes in its core make it quite sensitive to wobbles and movement, but if you play it right this translates as great responsiveness under your feet. Thanks to the Triple Base Technology, it never veers into edge-catch yard-sale territory.

I enjoyed the fast-paced aggressiveness of this board, especially in the powder, which I was lucky to test this board out in. On the groomers the stiffness didn’t mean a tough shred down to the bottom either – it still felt light and manageable.

The Storm suits a more experienced rider than the Feelbetter, someone who could ride out a storm, and doesn’t need to be assured before dropping in.”

Trade Secrets

Danny Kiebert – Creative Director, Bataleon

“The Storm is a new board for this season, and we’re stoked with how it was received by our team, sales agents and retailers. The women’s high end/freeride segment isn’t taken seriously by enough brands, and we saw an opportunity to bring a board like this to market.

This isn’t a men’s board we made narrower and softer for women; this is a completely new shape designed with years of R&D.

I personally rode this board a lot last season and think we need to introduce this shape on a men’s board! It’s one of the best all mountain boards I’ve ever ridden.”

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